On 13 April 2019, a fire occurred on an agitator truck in an underground metals mine in Cobar. The fire spread quickly with non-metallic engine covers and guards adding to the fuel load and the intensity of the fire. 19 workers underground at the time had to retreat to refuge chambers while the fire was brought under control.

The investigation into the circumstances of the fire is continuing.

The number of fires on mobile plant in underground metalliferous mines is of significant concern to us. Our position is that all fires on mobile plant are preventable.